Animals
National Animal
The Eagle“If having a soul means to be able to feel love and loyalty and gratitude, then animals are better off than a lot of humans.”
J.Harriot
Animals commonly seen in the wild
Marine fauna:
Otters, crocodiles, frogs and toads, hippopotamus, terrapins, darters.
Birds:
Ostriches, snipes, grebes, gannets, herons, hawks, buzzards.
Land mammals:
Cape hyrax, elephants, rodents, bats, leopards, gazelles, wildcats, mongoose.
Snakes and insects:
Snakes (carpet viper & black-necked spitting cobra), geckos, lizards (agama), crocodiles, winged termites, grasshoppers.
Common sights you will not like
In the city and on the road
Stray cats and dogs can be seen in most cities. It is also common to see cows, goats, and chickens wandering around the city, usually owned by someone. Eating dog meat is also common and can be found in some eateries.
In theCountryside
Live dogs are bought and sold for dog meat market in Dawaki, town of Kanke local government area in Plateau state. These dogs can be seen kept in chains and in a miserable health conditions. Donkeys and bulls are used to carry heavy loads and to plow the fields.
General animal welfare issues
A three-day festival in July wherein live dogs are slaughtered and sacrificed as they celebrate Ogun, the God of Iron, is held in Nigeria. Eating dog meat is popular in the country as it is said to cure particular diseases.
Nigeria has banned the export of donkeys skin to China that are used for traditional chinese medicine , but reports claim underground market for this still does exist.
Hunting or poaching:
Hunting is a traditional practice in Nigeria and is allowed with a permit. Poaching of endangered species is still taking place, especially of elephants and rhinoceroses.
Animal fights:
Ram fighting, a blood sport between two horned male sheep, is popular among locals. The law prohibits fighting or baiting of any animal.
We have not included the treatment of animals in the meat/fur/leather industries, zoos or circuses, animal testing as it unfortunately still happens in most countries.
